I mentioned recently how I will probably skip red in my Christmas decorating scheme this year. (By now you know I hold plans quite loosely as a self-proclaimed hopeless holiday decorator with nothing to prove as an inspiration blogger and not a decorating expert blogger!) Boldly saturated reds with multicolored Christmas lights have their place, but red light has yet to charm me. (And please make the weeny orange light strings disappear from my town!!!) Skip the Santa Red Christmas Photos shares glimpses of inspiration that whisper “home” to me. Once you experience the gentle quiet sacredness of a few glowing candles, it’s easy to chuckle at all the marketing campaigns to pressure us to ‘go big or go home.’ (Go home? I can dig it.)
![Our renovated dining room turned music room at the Georgian has arched windows, light greyed oak floors, and European country style - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_4578.jpg)
Gentler Christmas Photos Without Red
Oh the glory of a Pamela Pierce Christmas fireplace! The designer (and founding editor of Milieu) keeps a fire going in the living room and drapes her French period carved stone mantel with mixed garland and olive branches gathered from trees in the yard.
![Pamela Pierce Christmas fireplace. She keeps a fire going in the living room and drapes the French period carved stone mantle and surround with mixed garland and olive branches gathered from trees in her yard, interspersed with ripe brown pears. A pair of early Song dynasty jars anchor the scene. White roses are always part of Pam’s interior décor.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/002-pamela-pierce-milieu-christmas-fireplace.jpg)
Notice the ripe brown pears…don’t you want to try a pretty embellishment such as this one immediately?
![Pamela Pierce Christmas French carved stone fireplace. Mixed garland and olive branches gathered from yard, with ripe brown pears. Early Song dynasty jars anchor the scene with white roses. #pamelapierce #frenchchristmas #frenchcountrychristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/002-pamela-pierce-milieu-christmas-fireplace.jpg)
A pair of early Song dynasty jars anchor the scene, and,of course, Pam’s white roses are always part of any season’s décor.
White French Christmas Inspiration
Son of a nutcracker if I am not nutty for everything designer Madame Lincoln-Cutler touches with her Frenchy magic wand.
![French Christmas decorating ideas from an amazing house tour of country French design from The French Nest Co. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frenchchristmas #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/003-hello-lovely-studio-the-french-nest-co-interior-design-008.jpg)
Her restraint and artful touch proves we can boldly keep the palette hushed and pale yet equally festive.
![Heartwarming Christmas decor in a French country kitchen - @jennymartindesign for @lee_kristine. Photo: @platinumhdstudios. #frenchcountrychristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jenny-martin-design-french-country-kitchen-christmas-decor-wreaths-in-windows.jpg)
Have a wooden dough bowl, it’s perfect for pillar candles and greenery on a table.
![Extra long star fairy lights - The White Company. #fairylights #starlights #lightstrings](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/extra-long-star-fairy-lights-the-white-company-christmas-decor.jpg)
Is it a doll house or is it real!?! THIS HOUSE with interiors by Jenny Martin is incredible inside!
![Heartwarming Christmas house exterior with French country architecture and wreaths in windows - @jennymartindesign for @lee_kristine. Photo: @platinumhdstudios. #frenchcountrychristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jenny-martin-desgin-french-country-house-exterior-christmas-decor-wreaths-in-windows.jpg)
Deep sigh!
Don’t you love the simplicity of a simple sprig of greenery, a frosted cookie, and a white napkin for a lovely holiday place setting?
![Lovely simple and white Swedish and Scandi Christmas placesetting for a white Christmas -from ljo-s blog.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/005-ljo-s-simple-white-christmas-holiday-placesetting.jpg)
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Simply Scandi & French Nordic Understated Holiday Decorating
Just in case you want to pin this to tuck it away safely for Black Friday shopping…
![Gifts of Whimsy Gift Guide 2024 - Hello Lovely. #giftguides #funnygifts](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/gifts-of-whimsy-hello-lovely-studio-banner-gift-guide-2024.jpg)
Little trees in burlap or linen sacks can be sweet even without twinkling light strings.
![Set of 3 mini Christmas trees from The White Company London.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image-1.webp)
![French Christmas decorating ideas from an amazing house tour of country French design from The French Nest Co. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frenchchristmas #whitechristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/001-hello-lovely-studio-the-french-nest-co-interior-design-030.jpg)
Have a peg rack somewhere at home which could use a little cheer?
![Gorgeous Scandinavian white Christmas decorating in a white cottage style entry with candlelight - Lantliv. #whitechristmasdecor #scandichristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/006-lantliv-white-scandinavian-swedish-christmas-decor-in-hall.jpg)
Green and white feel like best friends at Christmas when a variety of textures and layering joins the mix.
![French Christmas decorating ideas from an amazing house tour of country French design from The French Nest Co. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frenchchristmas #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/007-hello-lovely-studio-the-french-nest-co-interior-design-000.jpg)
I find my fresh wreaths at the grocery store or Home Depot and simply subtract the typical red attached bow.
![Scandinavian Christmas decor in my white kitchen with Swedish candelabra, fresh fir wreath, and fairy lights over farm sink window. #hellolovelystudio #christmasdecor #swedish #scandinavian #whitechristmas #nordicfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/008-hello-lovely-christmas-kitchen-farm-sink-wreath-frasier-fir.jpg)
![Our dining room with fireplace is used as a music room where a white piano and antique mirror are decorated for Christmas in white - Hello Lovely Studio. #whitechristmas #whitepiano](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/001-thanksgiving-11.jpg)
![Shop My Home Holiday Decor Hello Lovely Banner - find the timeless Christmas decorations I rely on each season. #hellolovelystudio #christmasdecor #holidaydecorations](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SHOP-MY-HOME-HOLIDAY-DECOR-HELLO-LOVELY-STUDIO-BANNER.jpg)
![Holiday decorated white and grey European Country kitchen at the Georgian - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_4598.jpg)
Are Mixed Metal White’s Best Friend?
Oh how it is easy to adore mercury glass for holiday decor!?!
![French Christmas decorating ideas from an amazing house tour of country French design from The French Nest Co. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frenchchristmas #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/008-hello-lovely-studio-the-french-nest-co-interior-design-004.jpg)
So many ways to use Christmas bulbs away from the tree. They can simply rest in a bowl, or be tucked into vintage English stoneware…
![Vintage marmalade jars with greenery and gold bulbs in my Christmas home - Hello Lovely Studio. #christmasdecor #hellolovelystudio #vintagechristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/00004-hello-lovely-studio-christmas-decor-kitchen.jpg)
![French Christmas decorating ideas from an amazing house tour of country French design from The French Nest Co. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frenchchristmas #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/010-hello-lovely-studio-the-french-nest-co-interior-design-002.jpg)
Ever trimmed the tree in white only? It has been a few years since I broke out the tulle…
![French country white Christmas decor in a historic living room in Spain - El Mueble. #christmasdecor #whitechristmas #frenchcountry #holidaydecorating](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/009-white-christmas-decor-romantic-spain-house-el-mueble-12-tree.jpg)
Hygge Christmasy Cozy Winter Vibes
I do love me a mix of textures with wooly soft goodness, European pink silk, and a shabby distressed wood box.
![Pink pointe shoes and pom poms. Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #christmasdecor #pinkchristmas #whitechristmas #pastels #pointeshoes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/012-hello-lovely-point-shoe-candle-christmas-pom-pom-wreath.jpg)
Have you noticed how many bloggers/decorators/stylists use non-working fireplaces in their holiday vignettes?
![Fraser Firs, Balsam Trees, and Chunky Knit Stockings... are your holiday cozy feels going crazy yet? Liz Marie Blog's stunning farmhouse white Christmas decorated fireplace mantel.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/014-liz-marie-blog-white-christmas-fireplace-stockings.jpg)
My favorite gentle white Christmas moments? The understated, classic ones:
![Heartwarming Christmas decor in a French country kitchen - @jennymartindesign for @lee_kristine. Photo: @platinumhdstudios. #frenchcountrychristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jenny-martin-design-french-country-kitchen-christmas-decor-wreaths-in-windows-2.jpg)
Elegant White Christmas Tablescape Wonder
White roses tucked into a little stoneware receptacle are timeless and so elegant.
![French country interior design inspiration from The French Nest Co. Come tour this beautiful French farmhouse style home with white on white romantic decor! #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/015-hello-lovely-studio-the-french-nest-co-interior-design-027.jpg)
Little natural ornaments can also be sweet at each setting on the table.
![Natural Pom Pom & Tassel Ornament](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image-1.jpeg)
French Inspired Christmas Kitchen
If your family spends lots of time in the kitchen, it’s well worth it to accent with subtle gestures that feel natural…
![French Christmas decorating ideas from an amazing house tour of country French design from The French Nest Co. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frenchchristmas #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/016-hello-lovely-studio-the-french-nest-co-interior-design-007.jpg)
Swedish Candelabra & Fresh Frasier Fir Wild Wreath
I like candles at the window whether they are real or electric flames.
![Farmhouse Christmas decor in my kitchen with fresh wreath and fairy light over a farm sink. Hello Lovely Studio. #farmhousechristmas #christmasdecor #farmsink #freshwreath](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/001-hello-lovely-christmas-kitchen-white-farm-sink-frasier-fir-wreath.jpg)
I’m drawn to the minimal look of these:
And gold-toned candle holders never fall from favor.
![](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image-4.png)
Sometimes red will accidentally show up in my wintry house…
![Christmas decor in a country house entry with red boots, red plaid scarf, wooly pom pom wreath, and fresh greenery. #hellolovelystudio #christmasdecor #redboots #pompomwreath](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/018-hello-lovely-christmas-entry-red-boots-scarf-prayer-chair.jpg)
I can’t resist wearing red boots because they make everyone who sees them smile. And my deer needed scarves last year…
But green and white feel more like home to me.
Ideas for Decorating With a Natural Palette
Are pinecones your thing?
White, Gold & Green Holiday Decor
If you have a collection of French earthenware or old pots, the holidays are such a perfect opportunity to show them off.
Aged urns also work so well for little Christmas trees:
![French Christmas decorating ideas from an amazing house tour of country French design from The French Nest Co. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frenchchristmas #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/020-hello-lovely-studio-the-french-nest-co-interior-design-009.jpg)
![French Christmas decorating ideas from an amazing house tour of country French design from The French Nest Co. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frenchchristmas #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/024-hello-lovely-studio-the-french-nest-co-interior-design-018.jpg)
and I often tuck fresh greenery in old zinc planter pots.
![White Christmas decor - in my simple kitchen with fresh fir wreath above farm sink and simple delicate fairy lights. #hellolovelystudio #christmasdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/021-hello-lovely-studio-christmas-kitchen-sink-wreath-twinkle-lights.jpg)
Have I convinced you a few twinkly white lights and candlelight are powerful elements when you’re after an understated French country look for the holidays?
![French Christmas decorating ideas from an amazing house tour of country French design from The French Nest Co. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frenchchristmas #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/020-hello-lovely-studio-the-french-nest-co-interior-design-011.jpg)
I have my eye on a solid brass candlestick with rustic finish made by hand…
There’s something so modern yet traditional about these quality heirloom pieces!
And there are also options in every price range…
Or how about an investment holiday centerpiece candle holder like this:
![Brass Stag Deer Candleholder, Arhaus. #holidaydecor #hoildaydeer #brasscandleholder](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/arhause-stag-candleholder-candelabra.jpg)
![Simple Christmas decor in my white kitchen - a winter tree with little white lights and a burlap base on the counter. #hellolovelystudio #whitechristmas #simplechristmas #christmasdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/021-hello-lovely-studio-christmas-kitchen-baking-birch-tree.jpg)
Love a winter birch with twinkly sparkly winter wonder?
![Aurora prelit birch tree, Arhaus. #christmasdecor #birchtree #winterbirchtree](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/arhaus-aurora-birch-lit-tree.jpg)
Christmas Quietude & Elegant Whispers
![French Christmas decorating ideas from an amazing house tour of country French design from The French Nest Co. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frenchchristmas #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/021-hello-lovely-studio-the-french-nest-co-interior-design-014.jpg)
![French Christmas decorating ideas from an amazing house tour of country French design from The French Nest Co. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frenchchristmas #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/022-hello-lovely-studio-the-french-nest-co-interior-design-016.jpg)
![Decorate the Christmas Tree With These Lovely Finds - Hello Lovely Studio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/decorate-the-christmas-tree-hello-lovely-studio-banner-ornaments.jpg)
![French Christmas decorating ideas from an amazing house tour of country French design from The French Nest Co. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frenchchristmas #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/023-hello-lovely-studio-the-french-nest-co-interior-design-029.jpg)
![Heartwarming Christmas house exterior with French country architecture and wreaths in windows - @jennymartindesign for @lee_kristine. Photo: @platinumhdstudios. #frenchcountrychristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jenny-martin-desgin-french-country-house-exterior-christmas-decor-wreaths.jpg)
Tour a Sweet Holiday Decorated Home
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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